In Nazi Germany, much research went into developing new chemical weapons, such as potent nerve agents. ![]() The interwar years saw the occasional use of chemical weapons, mainly to put down rebellions. Some 1.3 million gas casualties were recorded, which may have included up to 260,000 civilian casualties. In many cases the gasses used did not kill, but instead horribly maimed, injured, or disfigured casualties. Though largely ineffective over the long run, it decidedly changed the nature of the war. The development of chlorine gas, among others, was used by both sides to try to break the stalemate of trench warfare. This however did not prevent the extensive use of chemical weapons in World War I. Multiple international treaties were passed banning chemical weapons based upon the alarm of nations and scientists. It was not until the 19th century that the modern conception of chemical warfare emerged, as various scientists and nations proposed the use of asphyxiating or poisonous gasses. Simple chemical weapons were used sporadically throughout antiquity and into the Industrial Age. Main article: History of chemical warfare John Singer Sargent's iconic World War I painting: Gassed, showing blind casualties on a battlefield after a mustard gas attack
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